Thursday, March 19, 2015

Moondance Jewelry: B'Sue Boutiques Build-A- Line Challenge Blog Hop #3

Welcome to the Rustic Garden Collection and the First Day of Spring

Let's celebrate the arrival of Spring with some bouquets for our ears!! 

Czech glass flower ear bouquets 


 In some ways I can't believe that three months have passed since we began this Build-a -Line Challenge (BALC)! The long winter season is finally drawing to a close and I couldn't be more ready. During this time I've worked alongside my classmates as we've developed our lines, honed our designs, considered various approaches to marketing and the business side of jewelry.  Often we've stretched way out of our comfort zones. To say I've learned a lot is quite the understatement.

One of the big things I've learned is that discipline is hard work. Jewelry making has been a stress reliever for me. The creativity feeds my soul and I've mostly worked at my own slow pace fiddling around with designs, learning techniques and not having to watch the clock. I knew this challenge would force me to focus, and I was right about that. I've had to focus my time (there's never enough anyway), my designs and my brain power.  Aside from my Rustic Garden pieces I've made very little other jewelry in the these past months. But what I have made is a good foundation for a line of jewelry that will continue to grow. And I've met the goal I set for myself: to make interesting, high quality, affordable jewelry that I like and think others will too. 

The rules for the BALC were that we had to use components from B'Sue Boutiques and make at least five pieces with a cohesive look, that could be replicated easily. So, what did I make anyway????

Cue the eye candy....

The Rustic Garden Collection Debut 

If you've visited my blog before, you may remember the bird's nest necklace I shared in our second blog hop. Here it is with a completed 5-strand bracelet in the same color palette.  This set needed some blooms for the ears and the tulip bead caps with robin's egg blue beads peeking out fit the bill.  ( I just might have to call this ensemble Birds of a Feather!)

Birds of a feather
 
Blue mix 5-strand bracelet and Czech flower earrings

A girl needs options, so here are a couple of blue and copper earring choices.
Blue earring options

The cuff bracelet below I made for the first blog hop, waaaaay back in January. It is the first piece I completed in this new collection and features the rusty black finish with soft pink accents.

Lily cuff bracelet and tulip earrings

And always more earring options.

Pink and cream earrings

This pendant necklace nicely showcases the large tulip bead cap. Many of the accent beads and charms used in the cuff bracelet dangle from this focal. What else would you pair with a tulip necklace? Tulip earrings, of course.

Tulip necklace and earrings in pink

Irises are a favorite Spring flower and this stamping is gorgeous. The yummy faceted Swarovski pendant and bronzed pink and blue bead links set off the iris in this lovely rustic necklace. Don't you think it will look great at your first garden party of the season?


What is a Spring collection without some green? This 5-stranded bracelet and coordinating earrings practically shout SPRING!


 Birds and leaves~a couple of green earrings to choose from.

Green earring options

 

More Growing in My Garden


Things are just beginning to bloom in this Rustic Garden. I have several more items to add to the collection, including other metal finishes (also from B'Sue Boutiques.com) and color palettes. Most of the pieces I've shown above will also be available in a few different colors. (For example, the Lily Cuff Bracelet will also be available with blue and cream accents, as well as greens.  Likewise the Tulip Necklace above will be available in both blue and green palettes). And like the warmer weather, new pieces are coming!

Please join me as the collection expands! I'd love to have you sign up to follow me, or get my blog by email. New work will also be posted regularly at my FB page and you can message me if you are interested in purchasing any of the designs shown here. www.facebook.com/MoonDanceJewelryMaine

Thanks so much for traveling with me on this adventure, and I hope you'll leave a comment.

Nadine

Hop on over and see what fabulous creations my classmates are showing!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques.........our hostess and leader of the pack
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris.............................................................YOU ARE HERE
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Prull Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design 
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
ab:coraldesign








63 comments:

  1. Nadine, I love how your rustic garden is growing! Your idea to have many earring choices is great! Way to go! I am really liking that rusty black with pink, who would have thought pink touches would look so good with it? The soft colors in your earrings are really a breath of fresh spring air. Bracelets are my thing and yours are so very cool! Well done!

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    1. Lee, Thanks so much for your kind words. The pink with the rusty black surprised me but who am I to argue with the muse! Bracelets (and earrings) are my things too! It's been fun getting to know you a bit!

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  2. Loving your line Nadine. Your earrings are gorgeous and so unique. Plus I love me a bit of blue and copper :-)

    You've done a wonderful job and I can't wait to keep following your blog to see your latest additions to your line.

    All the best!

    Marica

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    1. Thanks Marica for being such a great part of this group! And thanks, too for your kind comment. I do feel like we are just beginning! How FUN!

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  3. I like the bones of your garden too and I know it's going to divide into some gorgeous beds :)

    Seriously, I do like what you've done! Good job!

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    1. Thanks Dana! I've got lots of buds popping up in my garden. Let's see what blooms!

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  4. Excellent job in a unique, rustic, boho style that is very popular right now, very wearable, colors that look good on people and styles they love to wear. Build this into a larger collection---as you plan!---and watch those sales ring right up! WELL DONE!

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    1. Thanks B'Sue! And to think that I almost didn't get into the group because my email was in your spam folder!!! LOL I'm so glad I did and that I stuck to my original plan to make this rustic collection. It's going to keep growing and growing and growing!!!! Thanks for leading the charge with this awesome group!

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  5. Great job! Very pretty. My favorites are the Birds of a Feather Necklace and the Lilies Cuff. I'll be keeping an eye on your growing garden. :-) ~Elizabeth

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    1. Elizabeth, thank you for that feedback. I'm always interested to hear which pieces folks like and why! I hope you do keep coming along on this journey. It's a blast!!!

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  6. Nadine you definitely know where your going, I love all your jewelry, you are very inspiring to me. Ya'll have truly learned so much, in turn those such as me who did not enter challenge, we have too. Thank you for sharing your love for jewelry with us. :)

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    1. Belinda, thank you for such a wonderful comment! I'm so glad that you've gained inspiration from our participation in this challenge. It is truly an amazing group of women and I am thankful to be part of it! Let's keep on sharing!!

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  7. Nadinie--I love your Rustic Garden line, especially your tulip earrings and lily cuff. The dark colors with the glass flowers work really well. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your growing garden!

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    1. Thanks Linda. I do love the contrasts as you can probably tell! I'm hoping that we get to share more conversation and our projects as we move forward. I really appreciate your comments!

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  8. Love your designs and colors used. These are right up my alley with the metals and garden theme. Looking forward to seeing additional designs.

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    1. I love flowers too and I think this collection will just keep growing and growing! Thanks for your kind words!

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  9. Such a great springtime line! I love the bird set! Beautiful colors!

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    1. Thanks so much! I was focused on spring colors but soon I'll have to start thinking about summer!

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  10. I love the rustic colors and your designs are wonderful! Like Janet said, this is right up my alley. Lovely line! Congrats!!

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    1. Chi, thanks so much for the kudos. I appreciate all the positive support we've gotten during the BALC. And I do think there will be more coming from this line!

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    1. Thanks so much Lynn! I'll be hopping around to see you soon!

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  12. I love garden them jewelry and you made it your own with rustic look.I think this is a very good line and love the colors your using. Your 5 strand bracelets are beautiful!

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    1. Cindy, thanks so much. This has been a great challenge and I'm so glad to have been a part of it!

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  13. Love the designs and colors! Great job!

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    1. Thanks so much. I will start working on some other color palettes soon and see how folks respond to those too. I appreciate you taking time to comment.

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  14. I love your Rustic Garden line. You have chosen the perfect name for your line. Fabulous!

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    1. Thank you Sue for that great compliment. It's definitely a line I can grow with!!!

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  15. This is such a rich theme. Loved the intricate garden pieces so much. Very nice.

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    1. Thank you Maria. I am so grateful for all the positive feedback and the support of this wonderful group.

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  16. I really love the colors you are using so far, i'm sure the next expansion will be just as excellent. I love the beaded bracelet.. I so rarely string anymore, and it inspires me to just get out some beads and go to town... really a lovely and very cohesive collection!

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    1. Thanks for the compliment Kat! I was aiming for cohesive but not too matchy-matchy so I'm glad to hear that it looks cohesive.

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  17. Rustic. Nature-inspired. Lots of beady dangles. And earrings earrings earrings. What's not to love about this line? It's fabulous.

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    1. Tammy, thanks for your encouragement! You've been a terrific participant in this challenge and I'm so glad to be a part of it with you.

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  18. I adore the earthiness of your line. You have done a wonderful job. Every piece has its own personality. Can't wait to see more! Well done!

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    1. Susan, thank you for all your wonderful support. I appreciate your cheerful attitude regardless of everything else that's going on! It's been great working alongside you and I look forward to more adventures!

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  19. Beautiful pieces with great color choices! Love the rustic nature appeal of your line. Ingrid

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    1. Ingrid, I am so grateful for the wonderful support of this group. Thanks very much for your kind encouragement.

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  20. Your Rustic Garden reminds me of something I would see in House and Garden magazine, Nadine. Your pieces are beautiful and cohesive, and I'm sure your customers will love them.

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    1. Thank you Marcia! My jewelry is much neater than my house, especially after this challenge! Tools and supplies everywhere. Thanks for all your support and the energy you've put into the challenge. It's been a blast.

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  21. I love you line. Rusty, organic, earthy and matte color. They are my cup of tea. Can't wait to see your expansion.

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    1. Thank you Coral. This has been such a great experience and I'm so happy to have had the chance to participate with this wonderful group. Hope we get to see a lot more or your lovely work!

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  22. What a gorgeous line I love it's rustic charm and beautiful pops of color, well done my friend.

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    1. Awwww, thanks Kristy!! you are always so generous with the compliments! This is a great adventure, isn't it?

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  23. OMG Nadine .. I'm in love with everything .. love the colors and just everything about your work .. You should do GREAT on your sales ..

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    1. Jann, thanks for your vote of confidence! This is really such an incredibly supportive group! Thanks for being such a key part of it.

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  24. Nadine! I love your work! I love the bracelet the best (for me!). Outstanding work and very cohesive. You will do great on selling! This has been a privilege to be in this class with you!

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    1. Nike, I so enjoyed getting to know you a little bit and send along my best wishes to you. Thanks so much for all your kind comments.Hope we'll have more opportunity to cross paths.

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  25. Wonderful jewelry, Nadine, and you you've done a spectacular job with your line! It's amazing ... with so many possibilities. ;) It's been so fun in the class, and glad to have been in it with you!

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    1. Pamela, thanks so much for your kind words. I'm happy with my collection too and have lots of ideas for growing it. Yes, this has been a great class and I've so enjoyed getting to know you. Still hopping so I'll be visiting you soon!

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  26. I really love your "look" It's very pretty, and fun, too.

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    1. Lori, it's great to hear that I have a "look"! Thanks so much for the kudos, and I've really enjoyed all your questions during the challenge. It's been a great ride!

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  27. So pretty! You've created a wonderful line. Congratulations!

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    1. Melissa, thanks so much! I'm still hopping and enjoying everyone's post. I'll be visiting you soon.

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  28. Love your colors and the Lily bracelet is my favorite. I love bracelets and that is wonderful! I think you are going to be a very busy person very soon!

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    1. Jan, thank you for that comment! I also love bracelets and can't wait to make some more. This has been a great adventure and I'm glad to have been able to participate with such a wonderful group.

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  29. Lovely, Lovely collection, Thanks for joining the class and sharing.

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    1. Right back at you Gloria!!! I'm looking forward to sharing more jewelry adventures. Thank you for your kind comments and always positive energy.

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  30. Hard to believe that we passed through such a tough winter into spring already. You've got a perfect name for your designs, and they were revealed on the perfect day! Wonderful.

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  31. Thank you so much Teresa! I'm happy with the name and my line. I think it will only continue to "grow!" (pun intended)

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  32. So cool that you have other color combos for that lily cuff bracelet that is so beautiful! Love all the Czech glass pieces and they go so well with your rustic style. And I really like what you did with the iris! Way to go! :):)

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    1. Alexandra, it's been a pleasure to get to know you through the challenge! Thanks so much for your encouragement and positive energy! Hope we'll continue to share jewelry adventures!

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  33. Nadine, expertly done! Great jewelry and writing! Classy, cohesive, and love that Czech glass with B'sue's stuff!

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